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Designing A Better Neighborhood  


Can a neighborhood be designed to reduce non-point source pollution?  

    
"Abundant research on rivers and estuaries confirms that when impervious surfaces cover more than ten percent of a watershed, the rivers, creeks, and estuaries they surround become biologically degraded." Pew Oceans Commission, June 2003.

Procedure
1. Compare the two pictures of parking lots below. As a class, discuss and create a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each parking lot design and construction based on water runoff, pervious surfaces, impervious surfaces, usage, maintenance, etc.

2. As a class, brainstorm a list of several places (i.e. parking lot, playground, front yard, drainage, etc.) in the neighborhood that may have been improved to reduce the impact of non-point source pollution and places that may need improvements. If possible, take several pictures of these places and label them as "improved" or "needs improvement".

3. For the places labeled "improved", describe the methods/actions used to create the improvements.

4. For the places labeled "needs improvement", identify what needs improvement.

5. Each student group should select one place from the "needs improvement" category and draw a sketch or take a picture of this place/property.


Assessment
Environmental and civil engineers work toward developing methods for new areas of development and redesign old developments to reduce run-off and reduce the overall impact of development.
Environmental Engineering
People often say that they are concerned with the environment, but environmental engineers are the people who prevent environmental damage and fix existing problems. They assist with the development of water distribution systems, recycling methods, sewage treatment plants, and other pollution prevention and control systems. Environmental engineers constantly seek new ways to reduce air pollution and the use of pesticides, and keep society both modern and earth-friendly.		 Civil Engineering
Working in one of the largest branches of engineering, civil engineers deal with buildings, bridges, dams, roads, and other structures. They plan, design, and supervise the construction of facilities such as high-rise buildings, airports, water treatment centers, and sanitation plants.
from American Society for Engineering Education "Engineering - Go For It! - Engineering Options"


1. Each student group will propose a redesign to decrease run-off at the selected "needs improvement" site.

2. Each student group will create either a blueprint (sketch or draw on computer) or a model which details all aspects the redesign and describe how the redesign (landscaping, use of alternative materials or layering of materials, etc.) will decrease run-off and improve the area.

3. Create a 10 minute presentation or web site that describes the effects of excess nitrogen and nutrients in the environment and steps we can take to reduce our impact. Send the web site or copy of the presentation to the project leader for posting and sharing on the project web site.


Optional Activity
A suggested optional activity "Understanding Water Run-off" - will help students understand the difference between pervious and impervious surfaces.


 

CIESE | Stevens Institute of Technology | COSEE | NSF